Ugly signs under attack

David Arnold, managing editor of Motoring & Leisure magazine, has hit out against 'sign madness' which, he claims, is spoiling the picturesque nature of the town.

In the January edition of his magazine Mr Arnold highlighted a number of 'ugly' traffic signs, including one at Hugh Rae's mens outfitters, on the High Street. He said: 'Hugh Rae, at 75 High Street, dates back to 1333. The oak building features a splendid medieval overhang above St Martin's Lane, the narrow twitten that leads from the High Street.

'Only a mindless moron would attempt to negotiate this lane in a car at anything over five or six miles per hour. Yet the authorities have seen fit to set up an ugly 20mph sign in a position that completely obscures the view of the overhang. Visitors wanting to take photographs of this piece of authentic Olde England have their pictures blighted by this jarring sight.'

Other signs on the editor's hit list included the new '2001 Space Odyssey' sign at Eastgate and the restricted zone signs on Cliffe bridge. He also cited the traditional fingerpost signs on country roads around the town which were rotting away because of lack of funds to replace them.

Mr Arnold added: 'I live in a modern town house in the heart of Lewes. Because it's situated in a conservation area there are strict rules over what I can and cannot do to the exterior of the building in respect of doors and window frames, etc. I'm happy to abide by these rules because they are intended to keep Lewes a pleasant and attractive place to live in. Unfortunately, while the council zealously enforces the conservation rules in quiet residential backstreets, it seems oblivious to the official vandalism being visited upon much of the truly historic centre of Lewes.'

Bob Wilkins, director of transport and environment at East Sussex County Council, said: 'I share some of the writer's frustrations about signage, although my department is responsible for having to carry through the Traffic Regulation Orders and putting up the legal signs which are needed to enforce designations within the town.

'A few years ago, there was enormous pressure to create a 20mph zone in Lewes. In order for this to be enforced, signs were erected on its boundary and unfortunately that lies where this road joins the High Street.'

Mr Wilkins admitted that money was scarce to maintain fingerposts but many had been repaired with funding from town and parish councils.

l Motoring & Leisure is the monthly magazine of the Civil Service Motoring Association and goes to 370,000 members.